Common Tree/ Shrub Diseases and Fungus

Whether they are indoor/ outdoor plants or trees, they are all very susecptible to all different kinds of diseases. The good news is that if you can identify the issue as it is just beginning, we can most likely get one of our arborist’s to come out and fix the problem. There are quite a few of the more commonly seen diseases, listed below.

Oak Wilt - Also known asBretziella fagacearum or Ceratocystis fagacearum. This problem can spread very easily between healthy trees. It is most commoly seen in red and white oak trees. There are many symptoms, though the easiest way to tell is the shedding of all leaves. The leaves on live oaks will have yellow veins that eventually turn brown. appearances An important thing to remember when trying to avoid oak wilt is to avoid pruning these trees between April 15 - July 15, this will greatly reduce the chance of your tree contracting this disease. If you have any questions about the health of your trees or notice leaves dropping out of its regular dormant period, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Sooty Mold - This usually affects the ornamental plants such as your azaeleas, crepe myrtles and laurels. Black spots will cover the leaves and trunks of the trees it has infected. However, even though it looks like something terrible, it usually does no harm to the plant its feeding off of. Usually just a cosmetic issue, but sometimes it can cause the trees leaves to yellow up or block the sunlight from getting to the tree.

Powdery Mildew - A powdery, white coating on the leaves of its host, this fungus loves high humidity and lots of shade. Unfortunately the only way to prevent it is to choose resistant varieties. Eventually the leaves will be distorted, turn yellow or red and drop.

These are just a few of the diseases that can affect your trees and shrubs. There are many, many more that can have much worse symptoms, so if you notice anything funky going on with your trees, be sure to give us a call for a free estimate by one of our certified arborists!